On November 18, 2002, I lost my son Benji in an automobile accident. He was only 27 years old. My husband and I asked that in lieu of flowers, that memorials be made to the Green Sea Floyds Recreation Department to help in whatever the young boys and girls needed. Benji was an umpire and an all around helper with whatever the GSF Rec. Dept. needed him to do. A few weeks later, one of the board members from the Rec. Dept. called me and said that the board had met and decided to set up a scholarship in memory of Benji and have a monument made to put at the flag pole in memory of him. I was so stunned that they thought so much of him to do that.

Six months later, on May 22, 2003, my family and I were sitting in the audience at the Green Sea Floyds Athletic Awards Program. My daughter, Jill was to present the 1st Benji Blanton Memorial Scholarship to a senior who would be the recipient of the $500 scholarship. Before she went up to present it, the athletic director of our school, Doug Hinson, read a poem to us. It was "THE DASH". I was sitting there with tears in my eyes. When he finished, he said, "those of you who were at the visitation that night know that the dash was well deserved". After the awards were all presented, I asked Doug where he found that poem. He told me his father had given him a copy. When I got home, I found it on the internet, printed out a copy and put it in a scrapbook I had started with all the memorials made in memory of Benji. I would go back often and read it again and again. We will be presenting the 8th scholarship next month, which is now $1000.

I have definitely been touched by "The Dash". I am so proud of how my son lived his Dash.  I have been trying to live my dash so when my eulogy is read, I hope my family is proud of how I spent my Dash. 

Gail Blanton

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Hello,

I've never written to an author before but I've also never been so moved by anything as much as your poem "The Dash".  I just wanted to tell you of my experience with it and let you know how much it touched me.  My mom was in a nursing home and doing o.k.   One day I received a phone call telling me she had become ill and they were sending her to the hospital.  When I got there, I was told the room number in emergency and started to walk in when I was stopped by a nurse.  She went on to tell me of how my mom was sick when she came in and suddenly her breathing got slower and slower until it stopped.  She had died.  I was devastated as I had no expectation to hear that.  The rest of that day was spent making phone calls and explaining the same story over and over.  By evening I was physically and mentally drained and numb from all that had happened.  I went online to check my e-mail to try to take my mind off of all that had happened that day.  Among all of the jokes and advertisements was my first encounter with The Dash.  I couldn't believe it.  The friend that sent it was just forwarding it along with other jokes and had no idea that I had just lost my mom that morning.  For some reason I was meant to get that particular e-mail on that day.  You're like an angel Linda Ellis.  What you write lifts the spirit and touches so many hearts.  When I'm missing my mom I come to your website and replay The Dash movie...and I cry.  You truly have a gift!!!

Thank you for writing that poem and sharing it with us.  It's made me realize what really matters in life.

Thank you!!

Joanie

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Good Day Linda:

I’m sure that men don’t write to you too often!  However, I was touched by The Dash a number of years ago when looking or some way to help a friend through a loss.  Your poem touched me in such a way that I not only bought a nice wood-framed plaque for my friend to remember her father by, but I bought THREE for myself…one to hang in our family home, one for my office – to remind me what was really important in life, and one for my Mom – who truly ALWAYS lived her Dash!!!

Yesterday, my loving Mom passed in her sleep – thank G-d, in her basement apartment in my home where she lived since my father died seven years ago.  I will TRY to read the Dash at her funeral today and went online to printout a copy.  Though the text wouldn’t print (I understand why, and I’ll be buying more books and frames of this amazing poem for family and friends of my beloved mom in a couple of days), and I’ll simply bring the frame from my mom’s room.

I’m glad that I came across another of your special poems while on your website – A BOUQUET FOR MOM.  I was having trouble figuring out what to say at the funeral about how she continually touched ME personally all the days of my life…AND THIS POEM SAYS IT PERFECTLY!!!

Thank you in advance for helping me to “speak” to my mom today!!!!!!!!!!!!

At your service,

David 

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Linda,

A few years ago a friend of mine sent me the movie of your poem, "The Dash". It really spoke to me about life and what it means. I have since read the poem at the funeral of my aunt, my father in-law and a childhood friend. It was surprising how many people came up to me and asked me about the poem and how much it touched their lives. I tell them to go to your website because the poems you write are beautiful and meaningful. Thank you so much for doing what you do. Happy holidays!

Sue

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Linda, Your beautiful poem The Dash.. has been my inspiration for this year. I decided I was going to make a difference. I am a 19 yr survivor of cervical/uterine cancer. I have raised 6 children, been a wife twice, a caregiver more times than I would like to admit, a mother, a friend, a politician, a volunteer in many organization and yet, I feel my "dash" was missing something.. This year.. I decided that my Dash was going to do and mean something Big. With your inspiration and me constantly listening to your poem.. I have decided that I was going to walk in the Susan G Komen 3Day for breast cancer. My health, is less than healthy, so to speak.. but I have decided that I would take little steps to make my mark on the world. I have lost some very close women to breast cancer and my dash is calling me.. SO this 22nd. I am registering for the 3Day. in The Tampa Bay Area. I have never been so motivated to do anything or to achieve such a massive undertaking..
My facebook friends are trying to figure out why I keep posting little quirps..like .. I am working on my - or I am one step closer to my - .

I just really wanted to thank you for the inspiration... I wish I could share the dash with as many of my friends as I could possibly can.

Thanks for listening..

Angel

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First of all, The Dash poem has really touched my life in so many ways.  When I first read it months before my Dad passed away, I thought that it was an inspiring poem that my father was just passing on to his son.  Little did I know that month’s later, this poem would have a bigger impact on my life.  It really has taken on a life of its own since my father past away.  I really know now why my father sent it to me.  He just wanted me to understand what it means to live life to the fullest.  To LOVE life to the fullest.  This poem has really inspired me to not worry about the secular things in this world that we get so rapped up in.  And to love those that are in his world.  I feel that when Linda wrote this poem, she had my father in mind.  This was exactly how my dad lived his life. Loving it to the fullest, loving those who had the opportunity to know him and loving his family till the end.  My dad did it right.  He didn’t care what this world gave him, he just loved every moment that he was in it.  Because of this poem, that my dad will continue to touch lives long after he is gone. 

Thank you, Linda, for sharing such true and heartfelt feelings through your unbelievable and much appreciated poetry talents. I have never enjoyed so many bittersweet laughs 'n smiles. I've cried, smiled, laughed, understood deeply every word you wrote/every word I read, talked out loud to myself saying "yes, that's exactly what I mean, that's what is in my heart, yes, yes, that's it!". Your poetry covers it all - "LIFE" with all it's splendor and shortcomings - from beginning to end and so many events in between. I'm sure you must know by now that you have written "THE" most perfect poem in your "The Dash". I would like to think ALL, who have read such a powerful poem, cannot be left untouched by it's absolute truth and will take that truth to heart and strive towards filling their dash in time with a kind and meaningful life. Thankfully, "The Dash" has reached me and given me goals to work toward. 

- Lynn  

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I was driving home one day and heard your poem the dash on the radio. As I listened, the tears began to fill my eyes and thoughts began to fill my head. I had to pull over to the side of the road and have that special cry. I thank you for that and for a poem that I will unfortunately have to use at the funeral of my sister in the next year. She is suffering from breast cancer and though we know she will lose this battle, your poem has allowed us to look at her life and not at her pending ending.

Thank you:)

Arlene 

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It has taken me 5 1/2 months to be able to write this thank you to you  for your poem, "The Dash."  My oldest son, Chris, died in a one vehicle accident less than 5 miles from our home.  The date was November 16,  2006--ten days before his 18th birthday.  He should be graduating with his senior class this coming June.

Chris qualified to run in the State Cross Country Meet all four of his high school years, and in addition was an All-Section Soccer athlete--all during concurrent fall seasons.  He also ran for the track team in the spring.  He was named the October Student of the Month by his high school (he had just been informed of that honor three days prior to his accident), and was president of the Students for Life Choices group at school.  He sang in the school choir and was also involved with younger children in the community through being a referee for the local soccer club and as a mentor both in and out of school.

As we struggled with shock and with trying to make funeral arrangements, my husband pulled a copy of your poem from his dusty files.  He had seen it in a business publication some six or more years ago, had clipped it, and saved it.  The minister read the poem during his memorial service which hundreds of my son's friends attended.  We have since purchased copies of the book, _The_ _Dash_, and gave each of my son's pallbearers (seven of his classmates and closest friends) a copy with the following inscription:

Dear _____,

Please accept this book both in memory of Christopher and as a tribute to your friendship.  Although he is not here to tell you, we know his life was better for knowing you.  There is an old saying that goes -- 'When I die, if I can count on one hand the number of true friends, then I will consider myself a rich man.'  We are sure Christopher would have included you in his count.

In years to come, whenever you reach for this book, we hope that you will remember fondly the fun times you shared together and perhaps say a prayer for Christopher.  We also hope that as time passes, the message of this book does not fade, but rather grows and becomes an inspiration to you as it has to us.

Good luck, and may God shine His light upon you.
Don, Jo, and Kory 

The National Honor Society (NHS) of his high school is in the process of organizing a memorial 5K Run/Fun Walk for this coming June.  They are hoping to make it an annual event in order to raise money for the Christopher Kiefer Memorial Scholarship Fund.  Each year money from that fund will be sent to four-year colleges or universities in order to assist in furthering the education of two or more seniors from his high school.  The NHS would like to title the event "The Dash" in honor of your poem with your permission.

Many thanks for the inspiring words, which have provided a healing outreach for myself, my husband, and our youngest child, Kory (16 yrs.), as we struggle to continue with our daily routines.

God bless you! Jo

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Dear Linda,

I just wanted to write and tell you thank you for this lovely poem. It was recently brought to my attention because of a tragedy in the life of a close friend of my youngest daughter. Theresa's 12 year old daughter, Caitlyn was recently electrocuted and died. They had a memorial service for the public in a park by where she lived. Her teacher was there and gave a book of poems to Theresa that Caitlyn just within a week of this accident put together. They were studying poems in class and were told they could pick a poem outside of class that meant a lot to them. She picked your poem "The Dash". To think that a 12 year old would pick such a poem a short time before she tragically was electrocuted. They read this poem at her Eulogy. I have purchased a couple of your Dash Journals. One for myself to keep a journal of my thoughts and grief of my Parents passing , my mom to cancer when she was just 50 (the age I am now) and my father’s suicide in 1993. The other I purchased for Theresa to journal her thoughts and letters to Caitlyn as she grieves the loss of her only daughter to such a tragedy. Thank you again for such a lovely poem. I look at it daily and hope I can make the dash on my headstone stand for something good. God Bless you.

Chris

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I am writing to you to express my appreciation for your poem “the Dash”.. It was read at my wife’s memorial service in Florida by the local Pastor and once again at her funeral once we returned her to England . I was so inspired by the meaning of the poem that I added an extra large “dash” to my wife’s headstone to reflect the fact that although she died at age 36 she lived a very full life. The Catholic Priest saw this on the day of burial and came up to me and asked, “did you ask for the larger dash on purpose?” (He had read the poem at the service). When I said yes, he smiled and said it was a great idea. I like to think that a little part of England is now discovering your poem.

I have established a Memorial Foundation in my wife’s name and we are in the process of establishing a website for the foundation and for our first annual charity event – a 50 mile beach walk to be held in Myrtle Beach , SC. I wanted to ask permission to reproduce the text of your poem on the Foundation website. I would happily provide a link back to your site with whatever graphic art you would like to use as promotion of your site. To give you some background on myself, I am the Chief Executive Officer of the Hard Rock Theme Park that is under construction in Myrtle Beach , SC. We are putting the full might of our theme park marketing and PR machine behind the launch of the Beach Walk and Foundation. Pepsi Co has already agreed to sponsor our Walk with “Aquafina” drinking stations, so you can see we are a serious organization and would simply love to be able to include your poem on our website as an inspiration to others in the same way it inspired me to look at my wife’s life and help me get over her death. You can visit our company website at www.hrpusa.com.

Thank you for your time, Steven

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Hello Linda, my name is Diana and I felt inspired to write to you after hearing your poem for the first time today.  Today I attended the funeral of a young man (just 24 years old), and your poem was part of the service. I was so moved by those words, and when I got home I researched your poem on the Internet and decided to share my thoughts with you.

I consider myself a very spiritual person, not a religious person.  So much of what your poem addresses and the stories you post on your website are thoughts and moments I have experienced myself.

I was a single mother of four children for the majority of my life. Those four children are now all adults and have given me eight beautiful grandchildren. I now also have a very good husband and a stepdaughter as an added bonus.  While struggling through many difficult years, I always had this inner peaceful feeling that not matter what, everything would turn out okay.....and guess what?...it did. Not perfect, not without pain and disappointment, but darn good. I always chose to see the glass as half full. So as a full time working mother, friends would always ask, "how do you do it", and I really did not know how to answer other than ask back, "is there an option".  You just do it, trying to make the best of every day.  The funny thing is, as I grow older, and I don't have the worries or obligations I did back then, I now feel more anxious than I ever have before.  I tend to be quite a worrier, while keeping those worries private within myself.  I have been caring for my mother for the last three years and I believe that most of my negative feelings have stemmed from that fact.  It's almost like looking into a mirror and seeing how your own life may turn out. It has caused me much anxiety. I find myself depressed much of the time.

So to get the point of this message. After attending this service and hearing your poem, I have vowed to shine a new light on my life.  I have been focusing so much on how I might die, I have forgotten to live.  I realize that I am not my mother, and I have choices now that can affect my life and lives of those I love, and that is what I chose to focus on.  I am also inspired to journal my dash for my loved ones once I do depart.  I want to thank you so much for your words that touched something deep inside me and inspired me to live each day as it may be the last.   

 My Deepest Regards, 
Di ana

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For me, 'The Dash' poem really brought home the spirit of volunteerism in my community.  You see, a group of several men and woman volunteer countless hours to bring youth basketball to the Massena, NY area.  Tim Currier, the Commissioner of our Basketball Association, has given a Commissioner's Award out each year to many of us for our efforts for helping these kids.  However, this year we wanted to also give him an award that would be worthy of his contribution to the kids of the Massena area.  The dash poem and especially the words "For it matters not, how much we own; the cars, the house, the cash.  What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash”, really summed up the story of Tim's generosity towards his community.  That's why we created “The Dash” award.  It will not be given out each year and may never be given out again.  That is because it's that special.  The Dash helps me justify the time given to my Community.  The ‘-‘ really makes you think about what’s important in life.

~Ross

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Dear Linda:

My name is Tim.  I am a Basketball Association Commissioner and I also am the Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Coach.  I’m also the Chief of Police of our community here . Last year I read your poem at 25th annual basketball tournament celebration and it was so incredibly received.  Later in the year the Board of Directors created "the dash" award and presented it to me because of my work with the program for nearly 23 years and the fact that I used that poem (which I have used a few times).  The person that created the "dash" award said "when I heard you read that poem, I knew exactly how to honor you".  I am so honored by the award and privileged to have your poem attached to it.  Linda, I cannot tell you how inspiring your poem is to me.  There is no piece that I have found that comes close to your poem in reflecting how a person’s life matters.

~Tim

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My Own Story about Bob Dole reciting The Dash on CNN:

A while back, I was visiting my mother in Florida when I received an email thanking me for writing The Dash poem. I receive hundreds of emails with that subject, and I try to read them all.  This one, in particular, caught my attention as it contained a link to a C-SPAN video recording of a recent National Press Club Meeting regarding the Treatment and Care of Wounded Veterans, a subject close to my heart.

The surprising thing about this video was that Former U.S. Senator, Senate Republican Leader and 1996 Presidential Nominee, Bob Dole was reading aloud my words!  As the keynote speaker for the event, he had chosen my poem to illustrate and convey a notion that he and I share: debt and gratitude for our wounded veterans.  Not only was he reading my poem with obvious emotion, he prefaced his recitation with the words, “we owe these young men and women everything…”

Simultaneously proud, humbled and amazed, I literally shook my head in disbelief.  As I listened to him begin the 7^th stanza, specifically the lines:  "And be less quick to anger…and show appreciation more…and love the people in our lives…like we’ve never loved before," there was no mistaking the emotions my words brought forth in this man as his voice began to quiver and his eyes welled up.

I stared, almost bewildered, at my computer monitor.  Had the words I’d written years ago actually brought this wounded combat veteran to the threshold of shedding tears?  This man who had been struck by enemy shrapnel while trying to drag his wounded comrade into a shell hole?  This man who had received two Bronze Stars for his “heroism under fire?”  I would venture to wager that he’d shed no tears on the battlefield that day while he was spending days of his own “dash” defending his country...and yet here he was, unmistakably emotionally moved by my words and ideas.  I recall the realization of how something intangible, such as words, when combined in a specific, unique pattern, can have the power to reach directly through to someone’s heart and spark such emotion.  I remember thinking there was some sort of ironic, conflicting comparison between the lead pellets which pierced this man during wartime and my words which seemed to pierce him now.

As I learned more about Bob Dole, I wondered how long ago he’d read this poem I'd written more than 12 years prior, and if it had also inspired his many other humanitarian efforts.  I like to think it had.

~Linda Ellis

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My own story about Coach Lou Holtz:

I have had the wonderful and unique opportunity to meet some influential people as a direct result of my writing "The Dash" poem.  However, when I heard from Coach Lou Holtz, I was deeply touched, knowing he was more than a coach, he was an icon.  I had in previous years, received email from those who had heard him recite The Dash poem as a part of his speeches, and they were moved to tears.  I remember wishing I'd been sitting in the audience beside them, so I could've heard his heartfelt recitation first-hand.

I recall feeling both honored and flattered that this respected leader, a legend in sports and in the motivational arena, appreciated my words enough to include them in his talks.  I'd been so inspired by his words in the past, and now I had the opportunity to return the favor and inspire him, with mine.

Having stayed close through the years with my three older brothers, I was already familiar with  Coach Holtz’s legendary career.  Reading some of his inspirational quotes, I quickly realized why he related so well to the words of The Dash poem.  Many quotes I'd read of his literally paralleled the concept behind the poem:  "Do right. Do your best. Treat others as you want to be treated."  "If what you did yesterday seems big, you haven't done anything today." "You'll never get ahead of anyone as long as you try to get even with him." The Dash seems to have the unique ability to reach those who believe in, and are able to share, its message on a large-scale basis and therein lies the power of The Dash.

~Linda Ellis

Dear Linda,

"I can’t honestly tell you how this poem “The Dash” has affected my life, but hopefully it affected other people when I used it.  I’d always tried to make every day count and not count the days, and hopefully I’ve been a good example for other people to follow.  However, that’s not for me to evaluate, but God will some day.  Thank you again."

Sincerely, Lou Holtz

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Dear Ms. Ellis,

You have changed my life forever.  Three months ago a friend shared your "new oxygen" with me...I have never been the same...There is not a day that passes that I do not whisper, or share "the dash is short" to someone else... I have carried the banner for your "gift" to others at work, at church, in my gospel music band, and my family.  I am a different person today because of you!

I personally say "thank-you" for your wonderful and powerful influence in my life.  I carry the banner for you everyday and will continue to share the "dash".  I am beginning to think my passion is centered around the time between the dates.  If I can help in anyway, please call or contact me...It would be a pleasure to meet you and your family...I love what GOD has done for you...You are one of HIS children.

Thank-you for your inspiration - GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, 

Will

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Hey Linda,

I just wanted to let you know how much of an impact your poem has made on my life and how amazing of a job you have done with all of your work.

Recently my great grandpa passed away and I went down to the funeral with no happiness in my mind at all. It was a hard time for me and especially for my great grandma. I am not one to handle death very well so as the funeral went on I just stared at the blank floor just to get through it. Then the minister said he was going to read a poem entitled The Dash by Linda Ellis and I don’t know what it was but I got a very weird but good feeling in me... Everyone in there paid so close attention as they read your poem and by the end of it, not one person wasn’t at tears. Ever since that day I have been living The Dash... I am in college for graphic design and this poem has inspired me so much in my artwork and has made me such a better person in life. When my great grandpa passed away I actually had to take some time off school and it was almost the end of the year and I got so backed up but I just kept reading the poem on my breaks and I ended up finishing all my projects right on the final deadline.

Anyways to make a long story short, I wanted to do a drawing to represent the dash and what it means to me... so I thought of all the things that made my dash and the number one thing on the list was family.  So to represent my dad is the corvette logo with an S and a beaker on it because his last name is Shepherd and he is a chemist...to represent my mom is a diamond because diamonds last forever just like a mothers love and also she is always in touch with her family so when I get it colored there will be beams of light touching each family members object. To represent my sister is a sun because she won a sunburst pageant when she was little and its one of my only childhood memories that I can actually remember. To represent me, a pencil and some music notes because I live for art and music... then I wanted to add something to show life so there are 2 birds... one will have my moms eye and one will have my dads eye. Then the main part of it... All That... Matters Is... The Dash... its wrapped around nautical stars because they mean Follow Your Dreams.

So its one big theme that all flows together... I liked the drawing so much that I decided to make some modifications to it and then get it as a tattoo because of the meaning it has to me...so I enlarged everything and squished it all in together and it is now a half sleeve on my arm. It’s unbelievable how many people love my arm because of all the meaning and not one person walks away without a smile on their face after I explain what "the dash" is and the meaning behind it. I would just like to thank you and I thought you may enjoy seeing the outline of my tattoo in which you have inspired me.  This took 3 hours and there’s about 9-10 hours of colors coming soon so I will definitely send you a picture of the finished copy.  You have truly inspired me and have made a huge impact on my life.  

Sincerely,
Chris Shepherd

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Dear Linda,

First and foremost, thank you for such an inspiring work of literature ( The Dash). I am a 19 year old sophomore in college, Brooklyn Heights , NY and the first time I ever read your poem was in my fundamentals of speech class. My professor who preached to the class about how to spend our time, gave each one of his student your work and asked us to meditate on it. I was excited about this because I love poetry and I write too. But as I read your poem, tears began to form in my eyes.

The poem felt different and my heart felt heavy. I soaked in each word in a line and I realized how precious and worthy my life was. I felt guilty of not spending time with my family and rushing through day like nothing else mattered. I was saddened so much that

I called my mother right after class and apologized for not making time for the family. The Dash inspired me to write more poems and two of my favorite. All I’m trying to say here is that, I have come to realize that it’s the little things in life we forget and I thank you for making me realize this. Your work is an inspiration to a lot of people and I look up to you in terms of my poetry. I have been following your work and I wish you all the best. Happy holidays!!!

Sincerely,

Jedidah

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Hello Linda,

I just wanted to let you know how your Dash has become very important to nine friends. In the year 2004, I formed a group of ladies for a meeting to have what we now refer to as spending our Dash.

We meet once a month and one of the girls organizes the outing phones the night before and we are told what to wear and where to meet.  Our outings have included Caving, Go kart racing, Fox Flying and endless more adventures all thanks to hearing your poem read at a funeral.

I know you receive endless mail but I do hope you get to read this so that you know the difference you have made in our lives here on our island. I must let you know we are all over fifty.

Regards, Sue

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Ms. Ellis,
 
Last weekend I attended a commencement ceremony at a university.
 
The keynote speaker was a gentleman.  Moments before his speech to the graduates was presented an honorary doctorate degree from the university. His message to the graduates was centered around your writing THE DASH. I have since Saturday found your web site so that I could read over and over that particular poem. Little did I know, that I would find countless writings with incredible meaning.
 
Perhaps the graduates could not grasp the meaning of that message. After all, they are only at the beginning of the "dash" in their lives. I am in my middle fifties and continue to work in the corporate world. I have sat in many meetings where it would have been very appropriate to pull out "The Dash" and read aloud to the others present. I can't help but wonder if the results of the meetings would have encountered a different direction or result after taking those precious words of yours to heart.
 
I just may have my chance to do just that before I reach the end of my dash.
 
Wishing you the best, Bob

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Twenty-eight years ago, my dad gave me a most precious gift. . .a baby grand piano. As a successful, published songwriter in the field of Christian music, one of the first songs I wrote on that piano was “We Bring The Sacrifice of Praise”, now a worship “classic” and has been sung by millions around the world. It held the #1 spot for five years with the Christian Copyright Licensing, Inc.’s Top Ten  worship charts, then stayed in the top ten for another 10 years. Besides this song I have had many other songs published and recorded by the major praise and worship publishers.

In 1984 my wife and I moved to Europe to serve as missionaries. We sold most of our possessions, but couldn’t bring ourselves to sell the piano.  After much deliberation we decided to sell it to our pastor, with the agreement that we could buy it back at the same price when we returned from the mission field. In 1991, after seven years in Europe, we returned to the States. But, after years on the mission field, we didn’t have the resources needed to buy back the piano. Neither have we had the extra resources in the years following.

Last October my dad passed away. After 21 long years since selling the piano I longed all the more to have it back in my possession.  Just two months ago our former pastor, who had bought the piano from us in 1984, called to informed me that he and his wife had recently bought a new piano and needed to sell “my” piano. He said, “It’s now or never”, but reminded me of our former agreement.

My heart sank. Our finances were tight and, even though we could buy the piano back at the same price we sold it for, I knew I had no choice but to let it go.  But, behind the scenes, a dear friend who knew about the situation arranged to have the piano bought back and delivered to our home, as a gift to me in honor of my dads passing.  I was beside myself with joy the day the piano arrived at our door.

It was the very next day that I traveled to Memphis to attend the funeral of my best friend’s mom. And It was there that I first heard Linda Ellis’ poem, “The Dash.”  I was deeply moved and was immediately inspired to set the poem to music. As soon as I got back home to Nashville I went to my “new” piano and wrote a melody to “The Dash.”

So. . .”The Dash” is the first song I’ve written on my special piano since selling it 21 years ago!

I was so excited about the song that I called up several of my friends who are in the music business (one of whom is in the country music industry) and played the song to them over the phone. All said, without exception, “It’s definite ‘hit’ material.”

I was told at the funeral that the poem’s author was unknown. I even looked it up on the Internet and several websites also listed it as “Author Unknown.” But, a friend who was helping me search found Linda Ellis’ website. I immediately contacted Linda and she informed me that Gary Nicholson had already been chosen by her publisher to set the poem to music and that it would be included in the upcoming published book version. Again, my heart sank. I asked Linda if I could send my song version to her anyway and she said yes. She told me that she would send it on to her publisher and would let me know when she heard something.  The song was selected and recorded on CD and sold in the back of The Dash book.

~Kirk Dearman

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“For it matters not, how much we own;

the cars..the house..the cash.

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

The essence of The Dash changes the way we perceive our own lives. It changes it from a moment-to-moment reactive existence to a holistic pro-active existence. Our Dash is not measured by momentary triumphs or defeats, but the sum total of our life’s endeavors.

It was this quality of life I wished to convey in my own Do No Harm essay. The Dash was firmly in mind as I wrote that first essay, and I believe it was The Dash that helped me find the words to the start the Do No harm movement.

I found Linda’s verse to be very moving; explaining that from the day of our birth to the day we pass on, our day to day lives are not momentary periods in time that are forgotten; every moment of our lives combines to form the measure of our "Dash." What we do with our moments becomes in the end, a measure of who we were.

Few of us ever consider the consequences of what we do with our moments, and how they may effect, not only our own Dash, but the world we are all an inherently a part of.

When we are young it is hard to see our connection and the implications our actions have on the World we live in. Even to many who have reached a golden age it is not often apparent, and many live out their lives never realizing their connections, or the impact their lives have; whether for good or for ill.

In the end, as we measure our own Dash, it will not be our momentary victories or our fleeting triumphs that comfort us; it will be our failures and the harm we did to others that we will take to our graves.

It really matters little how others will measure our Dash once we are gone. What matters most is how we ourselves will measure it. It is how much harm we did to others that will haunt us in our final slumber. Will we rest well content in the measure of our Dash, or will we be tormented by our failures?

C.C.Keiser – Do No Harm Movement

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Dear Linda,

I first heard your poem as a young Marine stationed in Okinawa in 2001.  It inspired me then to take action to make my dash count, and I have tried daily to do my utmost to take care of my dash.

As I have matured and progressed into a leadership role in the Marine Corps, I have shared the message of your poem with the young Marines that I supervise and mentor.  Until recently, that audience has been limited to a few at a time.  For some reason, though, I got the urge to push to reach a larger audience, because I felt the message was important.

I wrote an essay and submitted to a few of the USMC base newspapers.  It was well received, and published in 3 (that I am aware of): Okinawa, Quantico , and MCAS New River.  In addition, the essay was recently printed in the Marine Times.  I have attached electronic copies of a few for your review.

I really just wanted to say thank you for your inspirational writing.  The feedback I have received from my essay/article has all been positive, and it's only fair that you at least hear about how your message has reached Marines all over the world.

Semper Fidelis,
SSgt Christopher
USMC

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Hi Linda,

I bought your book and poem on a CD. I played it for my newfound women's group to inspire them. We had not decided on a name for our group as it was our first meeting, this was two years ago. We are known in our community as The DASH Group who serves our community however needed.

 We love telling our story of what the DASH means to us. We always explain that it reminds each of us 'how we are spending our DASH' on this earth, which is a great name for a community service group.

 God Bless, Bev 

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Hello Linda: 

 

I’m a fan of your writing.  I first heard the Dash at the passing of my mother in law.  Her son Michael read it to those who had gathered to celebrate her life.  She was a teacher grades K-3 for 45 years in Fairbury , IL . a lot of boots and leggings to help with for her little angels. She left at age 94 and what a beautiful Dash.  I have to admit mine needs a lot of work. Due to your fine thoughts, which acted like a light through a fog, I have corrected my course, purchased a sailboat (67 Bruce King Classic) and named her the Dasher.  You may visit us by Googling “Dasher the Movie”, had I known it was going on Utube, I would have buttoned my shirt correctly and not performed that silly dance.  Oh well, next one will be better.

Captain Ole Richard 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDLYaM6-sRI

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